Central Wisconsin News

For the past 20 years, Laura Gehrman Rottier has worked to build strong connections between alumni and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP). Since joining UWSP in 2005 as director of Alumni Affairs, she has led efforts to create events and programs that bring together former students, current students, and the campus community.

Gehrman Rottier’s work includes organizing the Alumni Awards program, which recognizes notable alumni, and transforming Homecoming into a family-focused event. She also developed volunteer opportunities for alumni through Days of Service events across the country and hosted interviews with distinguished graduates on social media.

Her dedication was recognized with the 2025 Academic Staff Excellence Award. In addition to her role in alumni relations, Gehrman Rottier has contributed to fundraising campaigns such as “Then, Now and Forever,” which raised over $40 million, and the ongoing “Discover Your Purpose” campaign that has reached more than 75% of its $100 million goal. She serves as a part-time major gifts officer for University College at UWSP and recently earned a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential.

“I’ve always said that the Alumni Association was here to connect alumni with each other, with students and the campus community,” said Gehrman Rottier, a 2002 alumna of UWSP. “The goal is to tailor alumni experiences to make them meaningful.”

She works closely with the Alumni Board of Directors to plan projects and services for UWSP graduates. Her team’s Days of Service initiative received a platinum award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Gehrman Rottier also launched an online community for alumni and led a redesign of the Alumni website featuring stories in The Cupola Post.

“It’s been inspiring to see what our alumni have accomplished, to share those stories and celebrate their success. We’ve been able to honor some amazing people.”

Gehrman Rottier expressed gratitude for helping alumni give back through service days, donations reflecting their interests, or mentoring students.

“It’s humbling to be a part of that journey for our alumni,” she said.

She noted that serving more than 90,000 alumni presents challenges but remains focused on helping them reconnect with UWSP.

“We are the keeper of memories,” she said. “We can help our alumni relive the years they spent at UWSP. The best part of the job is seeing the moment that an alum reconnects, if it is through an event, meeting a student, attending a reunion or giving back – when they get to be part of something bigger and understand how they are making a difference, that’s magic.”

After two decades in her role, Gehrman Rottier continues working toward connecting Pointers from all generations.

“I want our current and future Pointers to always have access to opportunities with our alumni, because helping them work together is incredibly inspiring and impactful. While they may be decades apart in their experiences, they all have a common connection in UWSP.”

She credits her achievements to teamwork: “Nothing is accomplished alone, and I have been fortunate to have some great mentors amazing volunteers and outstanding teammates”